“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Someone put a lot of thought into your personal name at birth. You may not be fond of your name. Maybe you chose a shorter version? Maybe you grabbed a nickname along the way? In naming four grandchildren, our oldest daughter chose names beginning with the same letter (M). Whatever the case, our parents give much thought to the names given to their children at birth.
This weekend Journey Community Christian Church begins a four week Christmas series, The Name Says It All. The key verse for the entire series is taken from this passage in Isaiah 9:6. The Prophet Isaiah, some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, wrote the words I’ve quoted above. This verse is frequently read during the Christmas season. This verse is the foundational verse for our Journey Christmas series 2024.
For a little context, this period in world history when Isaiah wrote was a time of tremendous stress and tension, much like today. And Isaiah proclaims the government will rest on His Name, the Messiah to come, the Christ child, baby Jesus born in Bethlehem.
Rest assured this Christmas season. The hope of the world has always been Jesus. There is power in His name. “And his name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:21 NLT
Join us this weekend after Thanksgiving feasts and fun. Let’s get things started with a fresh look at what CHRIST-mas is really about. Tell everyone you meet at Black Friday shopping, Come and See what Jesus is all about. Why not?
Our 1st episode in our Christmas series begins with the description: Wonderful Counselor. What can this mean? I believe it means Jesus understands our pain and grief. He has mercy and grace for all. Jesus rescues and restores everything, everyone which is broken.
“Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor; but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ ” Luke 5:31-32
Tell everyone Jesus came for those who are sick. Where are we sick right now? Before we throw in the towel come and listen. What have we got to lose? This may be just what is missing in our desire for better health this year. More Jesus thoughts.
Tell yourself, tell others. Jesus changes our world. Turns out… Merry Christmas is a thing!
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